On Thursday, October 9, a delegation from the National Research and Innovation Agency（BRIN）, led by Dr. Edy Giri Rachman Putra, Deputy Chairman for Human Resources of Science and Technology, visited our university. During the courtesy visit, the delegation was welcomed by Dr. Shiozaki Kazuhiro (President), Dr. Ohta Jun (Executive Director/Vice President), Dr. Maki Hisaji (Deputy Director, Strategic Initiative for Global Leadership Development), Prof. Bessho Yasumasa (Director, Indonesia Office), and Asst. Prof. Chek Min Fey (Division of Biological Science).

In the opening address, Dr. Shiozaki shared his vision that this academic exchange agreement would further expand the scope of collaboration based on the foundation that has been built through the lively discussions since our university's visit to BRIN last year.

Following that, Dr. Edy emphasized the importance of strengthening Indonesia's ties with Japan in the field of science and technology, particularly with a country that has produced many Nobel laureates, and expressed his hope that the collaborative foundation built between the two institutions would be further developed as a result of this agreement.

After introductions from both sides, a lively discussion on future collaborations took place. During the discussion, the importance of further deepening existing ties and expanding collaboration was reaffirmed, highlighted by the example of Dr. Yudhi (BRIN), a NAIST graduate who continues to collaborate with NAIST researchers while actively conducting research across Indonesia. Afterwards, Dr. Edy and Dr. Shiozaki signed a memorandum of understanding for an academic exchange agreement.

The delegation then toured facilities and laboratories specializing in biological Science and had a lively exchange of ideas at a social gathering with the Indonesian students.

This visit will contribute to further promoting active exchanges between the two institutions in the near future.